Original Zella's owners coming back to Hollins Market

Richard GorelickThe Baltimore Sun

The original owners of Zella's Pizzeria on Hollins Street are coming back.

Julie Ernst and Cem Ari opened Zella's in 2007. It found a loyal following and helped to anchor the struggling neighborhood. They sold the business in 2010, but it floundered without them and eventually closed.

Meanwhile, Julie Ernst and Cem Ari opened Toss, a pizzeria near the Senator Theatre in Rosebank, where they reunited with some of their old patrons, who encouraged them to return to Hollins Market.

Word has been circulating about the return for months, but Cem Ari confirmed that he has signed a lease for the building at 1145 Hollins St. and will reopen the restaurant within the next two months. He said Toss will remain open.

Meanwile, in Hollins Market, the owners of a Parkville carryout named Herb & Soul who had expressed interest in taking over the old Mencken's Cultured Pearl space will not be moving ahead with those plans.